Bid to be reviewed

Wednesday, April 24, 2002Scott Welton

BENTON - Scott County commissioners will research prices to make sure the sole bid is reasonable before making their decision on the contract to renovate the courthouse's heating, venting and air conditioning system.

Scott County officials were surprised during Tuesday's county commission when Bridger Plumbing and Heating Company's bid of $22,557 turned out to be the only one returned of the five bid packets picked up by vendors. "I wish we had another bid to compare it to," said Jamie Burger, commissioner.

Martin Priggel, presiding commissioner, phoned Tom Strickland of Strickland Engineering in Jackson, who drafted the work summary for the courthouse renovation, for his opinion on the bid.

Following the phone call, Priggel said Strickland described the bid as being on the high side of what he expected.

Commissioners and the company's owner, Kenny Bridger, have still not resolved their dispute over a HVAC unit placed at the county jail.

Commissioners say the unit was purchased without their approval and have refused payment. Bridger said he was instructed by the sheriff's department to install the unit and should be paid.

"I don't mind giving (Bridger) the bid as long as (the price) is fair," said Priggel.

In other Scott County business:

* Chad Corsentino and Tim Rosenauer of Allegiance Telecom Inc. in St. Louis discussed with county officials possible savings of 15 to 20 percent for the county on local telephone service using their company.

Corsentino explained it would really just be a billing change. "You're not physically making any changes to the way you operate," Corsentino said.

County officials agreed that while the savings would be nice, the county had signed a two-year contract with Southwestern Bell during a recent phone system upgrade at the courthouse and would be unable to make any changes until the contract expired.

* Vernon Zimmerman of Scott City introduced himself to commissioners and advised he will probably run for sheriff when the position comes up for election again.

"I just wanted to meet you and get acquainted with you," Zimmerman said.